Rewritten Title: Kermanshah Retirees Advocate for Full Implementation of Pension Laws
In a gathering reflecting ongoing social dialogue, state and social security retirees in Kermanshah province have peacefully assembled to articulate their key demands concerning pension reforms and entitlements.
Core Demands Presented
The retirees, participating in recent assemblies, have formally presented a set of primary demands focused on their welfare and legal rights. These are centered on three main pillars:
- A necessary improvement in living conditions and healthcare services.
- The full and prompt implementation of the pension equalization law.
- The application of the legal entitlement for service in war zones.
The War Zone Entitlement: A Call for Equity
A significant point of discussion has been the application of the war zone entitlement for retirees from Kermanshah. This province, sharing a long border with Iraq, was on the front lines throughout the imposed war. Retirees who served in operational areas or cities under bombardment during the Sacred Defense era have highlighted that the current application of the relevant law, passed by the Islamic Consultative Assembly, covers only currently employed personnel, creating a perceived disparity.
They emphasize that their service records and the unique conditions of that period should be duly recognized in their pensions, expressing hope for collaborative efforts between the government and the parliament to resolve this matter.
Dialogue with Officials and Legislative Support
The retirees’ concerns have been formally communicated to the relevant provincial authorities, including the Social Security Administration and the State Pensions Fund. “Javad Akbari,” head of the Kermanshah Retirees’ Association, acknowledged the efforts of the people’s representatives in the parliament, particularly noting Mr. Fazlollah Ranjbar as a staunch supporter of retirees’ rights.
Mr. Akbari confirmed that the issue has been brought to the attention of the Governor and other high-ranking provincial officials. He expressed optimism that through legal coordination and amendments, the groundwork will be laid for the full implementation of this right for all retirees from war-affected areas.
A Matter of Legal Fulfillment, Not New Privileges
Clarifying the retirees’ position, Akbari stated, “The retirees are not asking for a new privilege; they are merely seeking the implementation of a law that has already been applied for current employees in war zones.” He added that in the current economic climate, executing this right could significantly alleviate their living pressures.
He further noted that retirees, as human capital of the society and custodians of the memories from the era of resistance, deserve special attention, and that disregarding their legal rights would be an oversight of a generation that served under the most challenging conditions.
The ongoing dialogue underscores a broader societal engagement with the welfare of retirees, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing their legitimate concerns within the established legal framework.